Making the transition from the Armed Forces to civilian life can be daunting – especially when it comes to retraining for a new career. The Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (otherwise known as ELCAS) provides financial support that can help make the path to a new profession a little smoother. If you’ve left or are preparing to leave the UK Armed Forces, find out below how the ELC  scheme and ACT can benefit you.

What is the ELCAS Scheme?

ELC is a scheme created by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to promote lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. Under the ELC scheme, personnel who are currently serving or have left the Armed Forces in the last ten years may be entitled to learning credits, that can be used to fund higher-education training with an Approved Provider.

What qualifications does the ELC scheme cover?

ELCAS can provide financial support across a range of industries and sectors, as long as the training is delivered by an Approved Provider such as ACT. Qualifications must be a Level 3 or above according to the National Qualifications Framework in England and Wales (NQF)  or a Level 6 and above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). ACT currently a wide range of ELCAS-eligible qualifications, including:

• NEBOSH National General Certificate
• NEBOSH Certificate in Construction (UK)
• NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety
• NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate
• NEBOSH National Diploma
• City & Guilds NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice

To see our full range of eligible courses, click here or contact us on actsales@actassociates.co.uk to speak to a member of our team.

How do you claim through the ELC Scheme?

The ELC scheme provides financial support in the form of a single up-front payment in each of a maximum of 3 separate financial years. Financial support is only available on ELC-approved courses from approved training providers such as ACT.
Anyone who may be interested in the ELCAS Scheme should become a registered Scheme Member before enrolling on any training. Please visit the ELCAS website for more information on how to register.

What are the stages to the ELC process?

There are several stages to the ELC process. Full information is set out in Joint Service Publications (JSP) 898 Part 4, Chapter 3.

The Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme:

• First you must register to become a Scheme Member and accrue a sufficient amount of service before you can submit a claim.
• Then you must select a relevant course ensuring that it meets the higher-level learning criteria (level three or above) and an Approved ELC Provider.
• Thirdly, you must complete and submit an ELC claim, approved by an authorised Education Staff if you are in service or your Single Service Representative if you are out of service.

What learning methods are covered under ELCAS?

ACT offer a number of flexible learning methods to suit your availability, learning style, and other commitments. Our learning methods include:

• Classroom Courses – face-to-face learning in a traditional classroom setting. Our classroom courses are available in the West Midlands, Coventry, Nottingham, and the North West.
• Virtual Classroom – live and online learning lead by an expert tutor over video conferencing software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. All of the learning materials are sent to your address before the course begins.
• E-learning – Our accredited e-learning courses allow you to learn at your own pace, and to fit your learning around your schedule. Study at any time, and anywhere with an internet connection. E-learning courses contain all the same information as the traditional classroom course, and offer tutor support throughout your studies.

Why choose ACT?

• ACT have been approved by the Ministry of Defence to deliver accredited health and safety training covered by the ELC Scheme.
• We can support you with your application for funding.
• If accepted by the ELCAS Scheme, you only need to pay a small portion of the course costs.
• We will work alongside you to build a study path that works best for you.
• We’re a Gold Standard NEBOSH Learning Partner, which means that NEBOSH have recognised we provide learners with the best possible learning experience.

Contact us today to find out more

Speak to a member of our Customer Advice team today on 01384 447915 or contact actsales@actassociates.co.uk to start your journey towards a career in health and safety.

All information above is correct as of 13th June 2025 – please visit https://www.enhancedlearningcredits.com for the most up to date information regarding the ELCAS Scheme.